“In everything, we are more than conqueror through Christ…”

We are “more than conquerors” over Satan, the Devil through Christ! I love the old good song “O Victory in Jesus, My Savior for Ever”. God has done it all for us. Calvary answers it all. The Enemy is crushed! He only fights a losing battle. We need not to fear a dead living lion! Our God ever controls. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. His existence is from everlasting to everlasting. He will never leave nor forsake His own. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The facts about our God go on and on and on …. What a great God for us!

We are “more than conquerors” over the world! How the whole world lies in wickedness! It is incomprehensible, that we live in a world that acts acutely against the Creator of itself. I mean the whole world system is set against the will of God. Governments of nations “decrees unrighteous decrees…write grievousness they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take the right from the poor …that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless” ( Isaiah 10:1-2 )! But praise be to God that the day comes, when God’s people shall say, “Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation’’ (Isaiah 12:1-2).

We are “more than conquerors” over the flesh!. The Apostle agrees with the struggles of the laws of the flesh against the laws of the Spirit – how the sinful nature fights the new nature within the believers in Christ. With this, we ask the question: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? We can then say with Paul, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24-25).

I believe the Spirit of God pervades my mind with these truths, as in sharing with you my prayer letter of the month of March 2012. The followings also reflect on activities of my involvements:

1. Personal Involvements –

The reading through the Book of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs blessed my heart. Worshipful prayers, meditations, and devotional reflections based upon the Scriptural portions refreshed my mind, nourished my soul, and strengthened me in spirit. The Word of God does a lot for my life – provides, protects, preserves, promotes, prospers – something I cannot just mention all. Besides the Book, books about the Book – written by Spirit filled men help me. The Word of God answers it all!

2. Family Involvements –

Devotions:

Reading, quoting, studying, singing the Word of God formed the activities routine of my family. By this we are helped to overcome too many pitfalls of the forces of the Enemy. The Word of God, as the pillar of truth is the only source of foundation upon which the family life is being built upon. I figure out, that as a pastor, husband and father, I can never be effective without applying the Word of God to myself and family. All of us, though with our own weaknesses and failures, yet are taught to fear and obey God’s Word as prescribed in our daily devotions to God. Even though, the going has been tough to playing my role involved with wife and seven children, yet it has been all of God to seeing us growing up together with the Word of God: Marie (wife) does personal reading, studying and teaches the Word with me; Dave, the eldest takes considerable time in the Word – doing theological studies and does music; Jonathan, very artistic ( with drawings, carvings, crafting, etc) does reading, studying, and relates with the Word; Deborah loves to organize her friends and kids to fellowship together with the Word; Keren is very keened with reading Bible stories and sharing; Kezia and Jemima listen, sing, and quote the Word; and Obed, though, one year of age, sits, listens, and observes the family devotional activities – at times sings some of the devotional songs, especially the kids’ music. We are, at least, a Godly family.

Education:

Dave is out of high school and now doing theology course (as mentioned), which prepares him for the work of the LORD. Jonathan is doing his grade 11, Deborah, for grade 8, Keren for grade 4, Kezia and Jemima for nursery class. Obed is in and out of class for now. How we cherish your supports for them!

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3. Ministry Involvements:

Church Service –

Footprints Christian Fellowship is what my ministry is identified with. Though it is more a family group, yet it is “a ground and pillar of truth.” There I exercise my gift of preaching-teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Worships have included with times of reading the Word, singing Psalms (ones taught by Brother Scott), hymns, and spiritual (Gospel) songs, giving of thanks, testimonies, and reports, with the preaching and teaching – keeping fellowship with the Lord and each other. Messages on GIVING provided series, as based on 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, (reflecting on a Church with a very poor background, yet set great examples in their “Faith Promise Giving”, on the following points including, 1) ‘Giving Promised by Faith’, 9:2 – ( “a year ago”), as making vows to the LORD, associated with Abraham with Isaac, Hannah with Samuel, Jephthah with daughter, etc; 2) ‘Giving Prepared by Faith’, 9:2-5 ( not to be found “unprepared” vs. 4, “ beforehand”, “be ready” vs.5), as working (preparing) towards the goal of obtaining what is promised, as others did with testimonies; 3) ‘Giving Presented by Faith’, 9:6-15 (“Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give;vs.7 (“Performed it”), as making the promise/vow and doing it out of “willingness”- Eccl. 5:4. Whiles I may not be able share all the blessings with the service, I must thank God for His faithfulness in my life with the gifts of His Church. “What a fellowship, What a Joy Divine”!

Theology Training

It’s been a great encouragement for me to get involved with the learning and teaching in the Theology Class introduced by the Brethren of Scotland, particularly with Scott and Jonathan Maciver. The material introduction with Prolegomena has got to start, at least, the theological studies with people that long for it including my own Son, Dave. It is hoped that this class will make great impacts on the lives of many as become part of my ministry activities. There is joy in sharing spiritual values. By the way, the sharing of booklets and tracts for outreach among the Gambia Muslim dominated Country is another one. Our God loves sinners, though hates sins!

Refugee Service –

One arm of my ministry has extended to the refugee community, including nationals of Liberia, Ivory Coast, Togo, Senegal (Cassamance), Cameroon, amongst others. The issues of the refugees, involving myself, have kept my time to praying for and with the refugees over the matters of needs, both material and spiritual, that are lacking. To other extents, I have found myself with approaching individuals, organizations, and governments on behalf of the refugees which are yet to be resolved. All in all the only One who really cares for the needs of poor and needy remains to be God. My mission is to take the community of the refugees to having HOPE in Jesus Christ the Lord.

4. Partnership Involvements –

The visit of Scott Maciver of Scotland to the Gambia on 1st of March introduced partnership activities of the month. It led into meetings and visits with ordinary people, administrators, including Ann of Fajara Chambers, Mrs. Liz Forbes of the New Covenant School, Mr. Toure of Model International School, Mrs. Abigail of Living Faith School, Mr. Kromah of Glory Baptist School, Government registrar for partnership registration, Jacob and Mary Jaban for membership, as well as survey to lands for needs of erections of schools, and attendance at Church fellowship, all wrapped up the package of activities. It has been a great encouragement to me, as one member to receive the supports of other members of the Body of Christ, far and near, as so much as praying for me, and sharing your love with me. With great appreciations to you, I pray that, as the Apostle says, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4;19).

Thanksgiving/Praises/Prayers for:

1) Enrichments with personal exercises –

2) Encouragements with family experiences –

3) Equipments with ministry engagements –

4) Effectiveness with partnership establishments –

Brotherly yours,

Reuben N. Weedor

Banjul, The Gambia

(220)6481368

Email:reubenandmarie2000@yahoo.com

The full DVD can be ordered from info@thegambiapartnership.co.uk for £12 including postage and packaging or £10 for those living on the Isle of Lewis.

The Lord Is My Shepherd DVD Trailer from The Gambia Partnership on Vimeo.

Background singing – Psalm 103:13-14 in Gaelic
Psalm 103:13-14 (Tune – Morven)

Gaelic –
Amhlaidh mar ghabhas athair dàimh
Is truas da leanban maoth,
Mar sin da fhìor luchd-eagail fhein
Dia gabhaidh truas gu caomh.

Oir ‘s aithne dhasan agus ‘s leir
Ar cruth ‘s ar dealbh gu ceart;
Gur duslach talmhainn sinn air fad,
Is cuimhne leis gu beachd.

English –
Such pity as a father hath
Unto his children dear;
Like pity shows the Lord to such
As worship him in fear

For he remembers we are dust
And he our frame well knows.
Frail man, his days are like the grass,
As flower in field he grows.

‘’ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto those who are of the household of faith’’ Galatians 6:10

I alert myself with this question: ‘’Have I been covetous of others’wealth?’’ It comes from the background, where in sharing my needs with you and others, who have been used as sources of God’s blessings in my life over the years, may seem to be the case. To recall, it was a difficult decision, when the Lord called me, like Abraham, to step out into the ministry of pastorate, 23 years ago. I was as Peter saying, ‘’Lord, we have left all and followed you, what is the benefit to us?’’ I say to myself, ‘’Have I lived a kind of beggarly life, in making mention of my needs almost every time to people, especially of God? To put it bluntly to myself, ‘’Have I been more a receiver rather than a giver as being less blessed, so to say, as stated in Acts 20:35?” Or, on the other hand, ‘’Have I been a blessing to other believers? Or, do we say, from a right perspective, ‘’I am blessed and you are blessed, or, I am blessed but you are more blessed?’’. For the Scripture says, “He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains for ever’’ 2 Corinthians 9:9. I believe the answer is found with the fact that, ‘’we serve in partnership with Christ’’ 2 Corinthians 3:9. God will certainly reward His own people for any way they give themselves, their services, and their substances for the support of His people, His program, and His project.

I realize one thing, that God never stops His supports for His children. For some reasons, man may fall short but how God continues to do remains a mystery! Over the years, I testify of the goodness of the Lord towards me through His own people. Even though, the facts remain that some sources of supports come to stop: as some of the people passed away to be in heaven, others discontinued for not having much to share with me anymore, or for other reasons, God knows, yet others still come in as God would do through them on my behalf. Although, I have got no particular Church or mission to send me out as on a missionary support, yet I believe I am sent out by God Himself, who has got to direct His help to me through His people, in partnership. I herein say thanks to God and you for your any way by means of supporting His people, program, and project, including me, His servant.

The Lord ever remains faithful, who has promised never to leave, nor forsake His own. It is my prayer and hope that our God keep our lives faithful also to the end of the age. And, I take this as a privilege to share with you my prayer letter of February 2012:

I. Personal Engagements -

Morning Bible reading put my mind in place to think right, speak right, and act right. At this time, I took through the Book of Job and parts of Psalms. What a treasure of truths to always make wise the simple. How true it to say with David, “Through thy commandments I have more understanding than mine enemies,…all my teachers,…the ancients”? Study through the Book of Joel R. Beeke “Living for the Glory of God” added blessings to my personal life as well.

ll. Family Engagements –

Daily Bible devotions formed the life of my family. Nine members family, including wife, seven children, 3 boys (Dave – 18, Jonathan – 16, Obed – 1yr 5 months) and 4 girls (Deborah – 14, Keren – 9, Kezia – 5, and Jemima – 4 ) has come through as the result of God’s faithfulness and goodness that endure to all generations. Everyone has got his or her God-given talent or gift to the benefit of the family members. The goings has not just been smooth, as involves struggles with meeting family needs, including food, shelter, clothing, education, health, and other attachments, especially in difficult refugee life. How true it is, ‘’If it has not been the LORD who was on our side… then they (problems) had swallowed us quickly”( Psalm 124:1).

lll. Ministry Engagements -

A. Preaching, teaching, witnessing, fellowshipping have been included with the Church planting ministry of ‘’Footprints Christian Fellowship’’, as we identify ourselves in the local body of Christ. The services provide us the opportunities to share our spiritual gifts together, as in sharing the Word of God through preaching/teaching, singing, giving of thanks and testimonies, as well as making reports from outreach activities, and prayers. Though, a small group, yet it is a unit of the whole, that enjoys the presence of the Lord, as the Bible says, ‘’Where two or three are gathered together in His name there he is in their midst. As may interest you, some of the messages in the months were outlined as follows:

1st Sunday, February 2012,

B. On the 1st Sunday, February 2012, we took review of the theme ‘’How Can Giving Be Done unto God?’’

I) By Giving to God’s People (Matt. 25:31-40)

II) By Giving to God’s Program (Matt. 28:19-20)

III) By Giving to God’s Project (Exodus 36:1-7)

On the 2nd Sunday, February 2012, we studied on the

theme: Giving to God (His People, Program, Project)

Text: Galatians 6:6-10

The Three (3) Kinds of Heart Involve:

I. A Giving Heart – vs.6

II. A Mocking Heart – vs. 7

III. A Sowing Heart – vss. 7-10

-Four Principles require:

-You Don’t Sow, You Don’t Reap -

-You Reap Just What You Sow –

-You Reap Less than What You Sow –

-You Reap More than What You Sow -

3rd Sunday, February 2012,

Theme: Giving

The Three Erasers of Falsehood about Giving:

I. That Giving Will Run-Out one, yet refuted in 1 Kings 17:8-16, as resulted from the feeding of Prophet Elisha by a widow of Zarephath with her last meal.

II. That Giving of Little (all) does not Count, yet refuted in Mark 12:41-44, by the offer of a poor widow her only mite (all her living), something commended by the Lord Jesus Himself.

III. That Giving to Jesus (God) is a Waste yet refuted in Mark 14:3-9, by Jesus when certain of His disciples (including Judas) had said, that the use of the alabaster ointment on His feet was a waste.

4th Sunday, February 2012,

Theme: Giving

That It has got three (3) Backgrounds (Settings):

I. Priority Giving – based on 2 Cor.8:2-9, that the believers “First of all” gave themselves (including their services and substances) to the Lord.

II. Promissory (vows makings), as in 1 Sam. 1:9-11, by Hannah, something encouraged by God, except when defers (Eccl. 5:4).

III. Principally Giving – as in 1 Cor. 16:2-4, to be done periodically, proportionally, and prosperously.

The ministry has got to take on some academic teaching activities with kids of the Christian parents. The kids are taught from Mondays – Friday. There is also an initiative of adult literacy class under the ministry. There are other special spiritual activities including women and kids fellowships in the week with Marie (wife) and Deborah (daughter).

lV. Refugee Engagements –

Weekly prayer services were observed with the refugee Christians. I take lead of this group along with some Christian brethren, to minister among the refugee community. They are largely neglected by the agency (UNHCR) that supposed to be in charge of them. I form part of this group. I share the passions to be prayed about also, as the Lord works out His will with this group associated with both physical and spiritual needs.

V. Partnership Engagements –

Kids’ education sponsorship with numbers of school is the initiative of the The Gambia Partnership. As a small Christian charity organization based in Scotland, this group identifies educational needs with Christian schools, particularly associated with Gambia kids that lack educational supports. As a contact person, I hereby advance and invite individual, group, organization to joint efforts together to reach the needy kids in the Gambia for Christ’s sake.

Finally, once again, I take pleasure in you for your willingness to share my concerns and prayers. How I appreciate your every support in partnership with me! Only Heaven will reward you!

Vl. Thanksgiving/Prayers -

1. The personal engagements – to maintain Godly activities and fulfilments

2. The family engagements – to be established by the Word of God

3. The Ministry engagements – to be Christ-centred in vision ,mission, and passion –

4. The Partnership engagements – to obtain resources for the supports of the kids educational needs

Brotherly yours,

Reuben N. Weedor

Banjul, The Gambia

(220)6481368

Email:reubenandmarie2000@yahoo.com

“…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)

How this scriptural truth pervaded my life recently! Not a new truth, but in a new spirit of saying “a new commandment I give unto you …”. The fact about “Giving to God” including the 10% is truly the secret to “Blasting Debts” away.

As a pastor, I have read, preached, and taught about giving “Tithes and Offerings” to God as indicated explicitly in the Book of Malachi 3:8-10 many times. I have practiced it and experienced the goodness of the Lord that applies. Yet, recently, my spirit was ignited by the Spirit of God so much, that despite conditions that face me, without definite income source, leading me to robbing God, rather robbing myself, as the matter of fact, for constant accumulations of “financial debts”, I rediscovered that I have been “tying two hands – the hands of God from “releasing blessings” upon me, and mine from “receiving blessings” from God’ – something, if truly obeyed by letter would “0pen the windows of heaven and pour out upon me the blessings of God that I will not have enough room to receive”.

The passage reminded me truths, which I share with God’s people, including you in this content of my prayer letter for the month of January 2012 under “Ministry Activities”.

Personal Activities:

Personal activities featured morning bodily exercises including jogging, pushing, twisting, among others, which though ‘’profit little’’, yet serve good purposes for the whole being, as involve the mind, will, and emotion. The time ushered me in the spirit of prayer and meditation in the Lord, which benefits me, not only physically, but spiritually. Bodily exercises pay! Of course, my personal Bible reading, at this time through four Old Testament Books: 2Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther proved great benefits to me, as I fed on the good or godly spiritual activities of such characters, as Kings Solomon, Asa, Joash, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Cyrus among others. The reading also occupies my mind with passages and phrases particularly recorded in Nehemiah, and Esther such as: “ The people had a mind to build” (4:6); “Our God shall fight for us”(5:20);“I am doing a great work that I cannot come down”(6:3); “Should such a man as I flee?”(6:11); and of Esther, “If I perish I perish” (4:16). Truly, every part of the Word is rich in wisdom, understanding, knowledge, instruction and strength, all for the fact, that it has got the Spirit of God Himself to be its Author in all generations.

Family Activities:

· Devotional –

The family devotions have got to take some voluntary participations. When I should be on other schedules of activities, either Marie, David, Jonathan, or one of the girls has got to be on standby to lead. They all contribute in the sharing of Scripture verses, quoting from memories, all of which serve for one another admonition in the Lord. The boys have outdone me in their interest in playing guitar, as with evident gifts in music.

Animals taught us lessons in our devotions! Whiles there are so much to learn about animals in the Scriptures, as part of teaching of God through creation, we took lessons from few. Giraffe, as a visionary animal, among others has got looks of very far distances. It eats fibbers from top trees. Similarly, the eagle, which though may be among flying creatures, such as chickens, ducks, hawks, and other birds, yet flies above in the sky and views at distant places, where it gets it prey. We learned about the boldness of lion which fearlessly heads out for its prey among animals. The wisdom is reflected from King Solomon who drew lessons from the activities of creatures, extending to ants – teaching “unity” and “hard work” to preparing for the future by gathering their food into storehouse betime. All these impart to the believers in Christ, “To seek those things which are above where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1-2).

. Education –

Whiles I have had my trust in the Lord for providing school fees for my kids, the experience has been one that proves the faithfulness of God. With David, our first, being out of high school (trusting the Lord to do Theology), yet this does not free out the responsibilities to pay for Jonathan in grade 11, Deborah in grade 8, Keren in grade 4, Kezia and Jemima in nursery classes. Not worrying over the “how” and “when” the school fees would be settled, with the failing away of sponsorship by the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR) in years, yet prayers served the purpose. Thanks to God and His people for partnership work. ‘’He will never leave nor forsake His own’’.

Ministry Activities:

The Ministry benefited from the teaching of the Word of God, at this time on the topic of ‘’Giving to the God’’. The messages were based on Malachi Chapter 3:7-12. The passage examined the followings:

Church Service –

· On First Sunday, January 2012, Three Essential Presentations , as outlined:

I) Giving of Selves vs. 7 ‘’Return unto Me’’ involves the ‘’Bodies’’ (Rom. 12:1).

II) Giving of Services vs. 7 ‘’Return unto Me’’ involves the ‘’Services’’(2Cor.12)

III) Giving of Substances vss.8-12 ‘’Bring into My storehouse your tithes and offerings’’

· On Second Sunday, January 2012, Three Reactions of the Lord, as outlined:

I) The Out-cry of God – vs. 7 ‘’Return unto Me!’’, ‘’Ye have robbed Me!’’

II) The Out-Curse of God – vs. 8 ‘’Ye are cursed, the whole nation’’

III) The Out-Call of God vss. 10 ‘’Bring into My storehouse’’, a divine appeal/invitation

· On Third Sunday, January 2012, ‘’ What Giving Does?’ Malachi 3:8-10

l) Provides for God’s House – ‘’My store house’’- vs.10

ll) Proves God’s Hand – ‘’ Prove Me now’’- vs. 10

lll) Positions God’s Heart – to ‘’Open the windows of heaven and pour down blessings that there will not be room enough to receive them’’ – vs. 10

· On the Fourth Sunday, January 2012, ‘’How Can Giving Be Done Unto God?’’

I) By Giving to God’s People (Matt. 25:31-40)

II) By Giving to God’s Program (Matt. 28:19-20)

III) By Giving to God’s Project (Exodus 36.)

Refugee Prayer Service–

Special weekly prayer services/meetings are held with the Liberian Christian Refugees Community. It is intended to keep dependence on the Lord, as James and Peter did with the scattered believers in Christ from persecution that took them among other nations.

The Partnership Activities:

The Gambia Partnership (TGP) sponsorship of school kids is intended to extend and expand the Christian outreach activities in the Gambia . As a small charity organization based in Scotland , it shares the needs or complements the educational needs associated with some school kids as depended upon the available resources. It is my prayer and hope that the Lord take you into the partnership of His work in the Gambia (1Corinthians 3:9).

Thanks for being there in Christian partnership. God bless you!

Praises/Thanksgiving/Prayers:

· The Lord’s ever guidance for my personal activities –

· The Lord’s faithfulness in keeping my family activities –

· The Lord’s fulfillment in ministry activities –

· The Lord’s provisions for the Partnership activities –

· The Nation and Leadership of the Gambia to be God fearing –

Faithfully yours,

Reuben N. Weedor

Banjul. The Gambia

(220)6481368/Email:reubenandmarie2000@yahoo.com

Gambia Partnership February 2011 Visit from PointMedia on Vimeo.